Module 03 of 10 · init · add · commit · status

Your First Repository

The Core Workflow

Every time you use git, you follow the same three-step loop: edit files, stage them, then commit. Let's learn each step.

Step 1: git init

Navigate to your project folder and run:

git init

This creates a hidden .git folder that stores your entire history. Your files aren't touched — git just starts watching the folder.

Step 2: Create a File

In the simulator you can create files with touch or echo:

touch README.md
echo Hello World > README.md

Now run git status to see what git sees:

git status

You'll see README.md listed as an untracked file — git sees it but isn't tracking it yet.

Step 3: git add — Staging

The staging area is a preparation zone. You choose which changes to include in your next commit:

git add README.md

Or stage everything at once:

git add .

Run git status again — you'll see the file is now in Changes to be committed (shown in green).

Step 4: git commit

Now save the snapshot permanently:

git commit -m "Add README file"

The -m flag lets you write the commit message inline. A good commit message explains why you made the change, not just what.

Good vs Bad Commit Messages

• ❌ stuff
• ❌ changes
• ✓ Add README with project description
• ✓ Fix login bug when password contains spaces

Check Your Work

After committing, run git status — you should see "nothing to commit, working tree clean." Your snapshot is saved.